Estimator

Job Description:

Location: Derby
Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-time
Hours: Monday to Friday

Red Rock Consultants are working with a well-established mechanical building services contractor delivering design, installation, and maintenance solutions across commercial and residential projects. Our expertise covers plumbing and heating systems, HVAC, ventilation, gas services, and energy-efficient technologies. We work on projects of varying scale, from smaller developments through to complex, multi-discipline installations, supporting clients throughout the full project lifecycle.

We are seeking an experienced and technically capable Mechanical Estimator to join our team. In this key commercial role, you will prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for mechanical services projects across a range of sectors. You will work closely with project teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure estimates are comprehensive, commercially robust, and aligned with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse project drawings, specifications, and tender documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Conduct site visits to verify scope, measure works, and gather information for accurate estimating.
• Produce material take-offs, labour costs, plant hire, preliminaries, and subcontractor costs.
• Issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors and evaluate returned quotations.
• Prepare and present tender submissions, cost breakdowns, and commercial reports.
• Collaborate with project managers, design teams, and procurement to ensure estimates reflect design intent and risk.
• Maintain and update estimating databases, supplier rates, and cost libraries.
• Support value engineering, risk assessment, and cost optimisation

Desirable Experience

• Experience with design-and-build projects and integrated MEP contracts.
• Understanding of UK construction standards, contracts, and regulatory frameworks.
• Previous site-based mechanical services exposure would be an advantage.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Mechanical Estimator in mechanical services, building services, or construction.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical building systems, including plumbing, HVAC, ventilation, heating, and related disciplines.
• Proven track record of preparing competitive and accurate tender estimates.
• Experience attending site surveys and reading construction drawings.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and industry standard tools.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and commercial awareness skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional qualifications such as HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical/Building Services Engineering or equivalent estimating experience (preferred).